Top 10 Stalker Songs

Script written by Aaron Cameron. They’re hum-able. They’re toe tappers. But they’ve got lyrics that’ll blow your mind. And not necessarily in a good way. In fact, if you look into them, they might actually be downright creepy. For this list, we looked at a mix of songs that were actually about stalkers or from a stalker's point of view, those that sounded sweet but upon further examination were not and those that hinted at obsessive behavior or unwanted attention. We've excluded songs that could possibly fall into the 'jailbait' quality 'cause that's a list for another day. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 stalker songs. Special thanks to our user Emily Carlstrom for submitting the idea on our Suggest Page at WatchMojo.comsuggest

They’re hum-able. They’re toe tappers. But they’ve got lyrics that’ll blow your mind. And not necessarily in a good way. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 stalker songs.

For this list, we looked at a mix of songs that were actually about stalkers or from a stalker's point of view, those that sounded sweet but upon further examination were not and those that hinted at obsessive behavior or unwanted attention. We've excluded songs that could possibly fall into the 'jailbait' quality 'cause that's a list for another day.

#10: “Voyeur” (1997)
Blink-182

Well, at least they’re upfront about it. This track off the punk rock group’s second album, Dude Ranch, tells the tale of a guy who can pluck up the courage to do anything around a woman, except talk to her. Maybe that’s just not his thing. Sitting on a tree branch outside his object of affection’s window, our pants-less narrator is challenged by foliage, curtains, and the girl’s ass-kicking brother. Still he doesn’t let these obstacles deter him in his quest to see his “sweet lady.”

#9: “Stan” (2000)
Eminem feat. Dido

An ode to the dark side of fame, “Stan” takes the form of a series of a letters written by an imaginary fan obsessed with Slim Shady. As the song progresses, Stan describes his deranged attempts to connect with the rapper. His anger at failing to do so eventually leads him to kill his pregnant girlfriend and commit suicide by driving his car off a bridge. Is it any wonder “Stan” is now used to describe people who are excessively infatuated with something or someone?

#8: “Possession” (1993)
Sarah McLachlan

Although it reads like a love song, “Possession” was actually inspired by a number of creepy fan letters Sarah McLachlan received. In fact, a year after the song’s release, the singer was sued by a fan who claimed he was the source of those letters. Since he committed suicide, the case never went to court – but there’s no denying that a backstory like this gives new meaning to lyrics like: “I would be the one to hold you down, kiss you so hard, I’ll take your breath away.”

#7: “I Will Possess Your Heart” (2008)
Death Cab for Cutie

This tune starts off innocent enough but the creepiness factor slowly rises: despite a simple and catchy chorus, this Death Cab single moves from expressing a puppy love type of affection to one that’s dark and demanding. By the time the song’s bridge arrives, it’s apparent the singer’s admiration isn’t being received quite how he’d like it to be. Nonetheless, he remains determined that he will “possess” their heart.

#6: “Hey There Delilah” (2006)
Plain White T’s

On the surface, it sounds like a long-distance love letter, but let’s dig a little deeper, shall we? Songwriter Tom Higgenson actually confessed the Grammy-nominated single is about his unrequited love for real-life distance runner Delilah DiCrescenzo. Even though she had a boyfriend when they met, the Plain White T’s frontman wrote the song with her in mind. They never got together, but they did keep in touch and she even accompanied him to the Grammys.

#5: “You’re Beautiful” (2005)
James Blunt

Ladies, don’t smile at random guys in the subway – at least that’s what we take from this folk rock tune. Although James Blunt claims to he’s got a plan to get the girl “with another man,” he takes the high road and doesn’t actually act on it in the song. Instead, he continues to profess his love for the woman he probably only saw for all of three seconds. At least he’s honest with himself and admits he’ll never be with her. Can’t say we’re surprised.

#4: “Hungry Like the Wolf” (1982)
Duran Duran

Packed with the sound of early ‘80s synthpop and copping a Gordon Lightfoot melody, this Duran Duran hit is a sexually charged spin on Little Red Riding Hood. Primal and animalistic, it depicts a wolf-like man on the hunt for a mate. On top of the fact that there’s no mention of any consent or mutual interest on the woman’s part, Simon Le Bon actually admits he’s stalking her with the lyrics: “stalked in the forest, too close to hide, I’ll be upon you by the moonlight side.”

#3: “Hello” (1984)
Lionel Richie

Bursting with lust and wonder, this R&B and soft rock number is sung to a person who’s had the misfortune of walking past Lionel Richie’s door. Meanwhile, the question he asks following the “Hello” appears to be rhetorical as the former-Commodore seems pretty sure he is the one you’re looking for. All this has us wondering if it’s a restraining order Lionel’s looking for?

#2: “One Way or Another” (1979)
Blondie

We could say there are worse people to be stalked by, but that’s a bit weird. Co-written by Debbie Harry, this Blondie track draws on the singer’s actual experiences with a former boyfriend, whom she called a “stalker” and a “nutjob.” Despite its bouncy and danceable sound, “One Way or Another” takes on new meaning when you realize it’s sung from the perspective of an obsessed individual. It’s not all bad though, as Harry flips the lyrics later in the song and gives ol’ Johnny Creepshow the slip.

#1: “Every Breath You Take” (1983)
The Police

Described by Sting as “rather evil” and “a nasty little song,” this ditty is often misinterpreted as a love song. But it actually goes far beyond voyeurism and moves into full-on surveillance. And it’s not just Sting’s omnipresent lyrics, threatening to watch “every step you take every single day;” the music itself seems to stalk the listener. Along with Andy Summer’s cold and haunting arpeggios, there’s Sting’s bass lines and Stewart Copeland’s hypnotic drumming. But even the one-note piano part is creepy.

Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite stalker song? For more unshakeable Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.